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Mercado on Kent: Bask in, well, Basque at Billyburg’s new tapas bar, Mercado on Kent. The aptly named South Side spot joins the likes of Eataly and il Buco Alimentari & Vineria on the growing list of retail-restos, boasting an in-house bakery and market to go along with its pintxos-peddling eatery. Bilbao-born Mikel Trevino helms the open kitchen and its trio of tinder-fueled ovens, churning out Basque bites like crispy croquetas ($8) and a fab classic crab toast ($7), as well as fresh, fragrant bread baked up in the basement by former Balthazar dough puncher Johnny Peralta. Share small plates at the zinc-topped bar, or load up on loftier Iberia-influenced fare like the suckling pig ($26) at a communal table. Take-home treats include charcuterie, cheese and cocoa ciabattas, available in the market at the back of the 6,000 sq. ft. space. The roomy resto’s wrapped in raw metal piping and reclaimed blonde wood, but the high ceilings and touches of marble cut through the industrial feel to give it a rustic elegance. The only thing Mercado doesn’t have yet is a liquor license, a bummer since the cocktail list is intriguing, full of seasonal sangrias, spiced specialty ‘tails and Spanish wines. Until the sangria starts a-flowin', Mercado’s the perfect place to grab a big bite o’ Ibérico before your booze parade down Bedford.
Reviewed 1/31/12
Photo credit: gothamist.com & newyork.grubstreet.com |
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